KUCHING: The Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datuk Posa Majais has expressed his unhappiness in the way the Malaysian Football League (MFL) acted on the association with regards to the 50 percent cut on their annual grant.
Posa said it is not the money that FAS is after but the timing of their action and approaches in handling the issue, adding that MFL should have put the action forward and not in the midst of the competition.
He added that MFL should first discuss the issue with all the affected teams and find a better solution to resolve the problems and not suddenly hand down the punishment.
“To my understanding, it is MFL that are owing some of the football teams and not the football teams taking part in the competition.
“Before pointing their fingers at us, they should mirror their own weaknesses,” he told TribuneSports.
Seven teams who were handed a 50 percent cut on their annual grants for failing to meet the 2019 season registration deadline will make an appeal.
They have been given until April 29 (today) to submit their appeals to reverse or reduce the decision made by the MFL.
The teams are Super League outfits Kuala Lumpur, Felda United and Melaka, while the other four are Premier League teams Kelantan, PDRM, Sarawak and Penang.
Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Penang, PDRM and Sarawak were also slapped with a transfer ban for the second transfer window from May 2 to 29 for being repeat offenders.
The teams were also ordered to submit their financial documents for the 2019 season, including documents showing that they have settled the players’ salary arrears.
The teams will be docked three points if they fail to comply. Asked if FAS have enough fund to go through the league this season, Posa admitted that the Sarawak team still need more fund but he assured that it will not affect the the players.
He disclosed that this year FAS received a RM3.5 million grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport and thanked its minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for it.
According to Posa, every team competing in the Malaysian League would need at least RM15 million and he is appealing to the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to consider providing FAS extra grants.
“Football is a sport with the most number of followers and is being liked by most of the youngsters and it will be very sad if it is not developed and supported,” he said.
On the team’s performance in the Premier League this season, Posa said the team have no specific target but to stay on in the Premier League in next season.
“We also do not intend to hire a new coach for the team and will continue using the current coach until the end of the season,” added Posa.
Sarawak are lying in ninth position with eight points from 10 matches.
